A capsule look at USC's NFL draft prospects

Tuesday

Apr 23, 2013 at 10:36 PM

Byrnes product Marcus Lattimore is among the Gamecocks waiting to learn their future at the next level this weekend.

By MATT CONNOLLYmatthew.connolly@shj.com

CB Akeem AugusteHeight: 5-10Weight: 1862012 stats: 18 tackles, 1 FR, 2 pass breakups, 1 int.Career stats: 136 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 10 pass breakups, 1 int.Analysis: Hampered by injuries throughout his career but was productive when healthy. He played both safety and cornerback during his time at USC. He was not invited to the combine but has had meetings with several NFL teams.Draft slot: Will be a Day 3 pick if he's selected, likely in the sixth or seventh round.

TE Justice Cunningham Height: 6-3Weight: 2512012 stats: 23 catches, 324 yardsCareer stats: 50 catches, 581 yards, 1 TDAnalysis: Known more for his blocking than pass-catching ability, but he did prove able to make catches in traffic when called upon. He came to USC and immediately contributed, playing in all 53 games during his four seasons. USC turned to other tight ends when it was looking for a big pass play, but Cunningham was a reliable, sure-handed target. Named a captain as a senior.Draft slot: Will be drafted in the later rounds, likely no higher than the fifth.

LB DeVonte HollomanHeight: 6-2Weight: 2402012 stats: 57 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 3 ints.Career stats: 204 tackles, 2 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 13 pass breakups, 7 ints.Analysis: Played strong safety for three years for the Gamecocks before switching to spur his senior season. He played in the East-West Shrine Game following his senior season and attended the NFL combine. His versatility will likely help his draft position as he's shown the ability to cover well and stop the run.Draft slot: Should hear his name called Saturday, likely in fourth or fifth round.

DT Byron JerideauHeight: 6-1Weight: 334 pounds2012 stats: 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for lossCareer stats: 57 tackles, 6 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveriesAnalysis: Attended community college before spending his final three seasons at South Carolina. He benched 225 pounds 37 times at USC's Pro Day, 13 more than any other Gamecock. He's has been contacted by numerous teams leading into the draft, and his size and strength give him a shot to have his name called this weekend.Draft slot: If selected, will likely be taken in the sixth or seventh round.

C T.J. JohnsonHeight: 6-5Weight: 309Analysis: The leader of USC's offensive line his senior season. He redshirted as a freshman before starting every game the next four seasons. Played guard his redshirt freshman year before switching over to center.Draft slot: Good size for a center and could be a sixth or seventh round pick.

RB Marcus LattimoreHeight: 6-0Weight: 2192012 stats: 143 carries, 662 yards, 11 TDs, 26 catches, 173 yardsCareer stats: 555 carries, 2,677 yards, 38 TDs, 74 catches, 767 yards, 3 TDsAnalysis: Had season-ending injuries his sophomore and junior seasons but when healthy was one of the top RBs in the country. The former Byrnes star introduced himself to the college football world his freshman season against Georgia, rushing for 182 yards and two touchdowns in just his second collegiate game. He led USC to an SEC East title his freshman season and was named the National Freshman of the Year.Draft slot: Where Lattimore will be selected is one of the biggest mysteries in the draft. There's no questioning his talent when healthy but teams question whether or not he'll be able to get back to pre-injury form. He'll likely be selected late Friday or early Saturday.

WR Ace SandersHeight: 5-7Weight: 1752012 stats: 45, 531 yards, 9 TDs, 2 punt return TDsCareer stats: 99 catches, 1,230 yards, 13 TDs, 3 punt return TDsAnalysis: Overshadowed by Alshon Jeffery his freshman and sophomore seasons before bursting onto the scene as a junior. One of the most explosive punt returners in the nation, returning two for TDs. He was named the co-SEC Special Teams Player of the Year. He flirted with returning for his senior season. Small for a receiver, but a team will take a chance on him because of his ability to make people miss in space.Draft slot: Stock has slipped some after running a 4.56 at Pro Day and 4.58 at the combine, but he'll likely still be selected early on Saturday.

S D.J. SwearingerHeight: 5-11Weight: 2052012 stats: 79 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 ints., 7 pass breakups, 2 FR, 2 FFCareer stats: 244 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 6 ints., 2 FR, 2 FFAnalysis: One of the hardest hitters in college football is looking to translate that to a high draft slot. He was suspended a game his senior season for a hit on a defenseless receiver and will have to work on avoiding that kind of contact as he transitions to the next level. He played mostly free safety for the Gamecocks but also saw time at corner and nickel. He played in the Senior Bowl following his final collegiate season.Draft slot: Stock has been on the rise. He'll likely be selected in the second round but could sneak in late in the first.

DE Devin TaylorHeight: 6-7Weight: 2732012 stats: 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 FRCareer stats: 156 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 2 FF, 5 FR, 2 ints.Analysis: Monster sophomore season with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss but was unable to replicate it his junior and senior seasons. Despite playing opposite Jadeveon Clowney last season, he had his lowest production since his freshman year. He certainly has potential because of his size and athleticism but he didn't fully live up to it in college.Draft slot: Teams will likely be intrigued by size (6-7, 273) and speed (4.8 40), but because of low productivity he'll likely be a late Saturday pick if he's drafted at all.

LB Shaq WilsonHeight: 5-10Weight: 2392012 stats: 86 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 ints., 1 FR, 2 FFCareer stats: 237 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 FF, 4 FR, 4 ints. Analysis: Battled injuries during the middle part of his career but rebounded to lead the team in tackles as a senior. Somewhat small for a linebacker, but that didn't keep him from being one of the most productive LBs in the SEC.Draft slot: Due to size, likely won't be selected until late Saturday if at all.

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